Sometimes I don't even want to write or type out how I am really feeling about my life. Emotions are fleeting. Circumstances change so quickly. It will have to suffice to say that the responsibility of parenting is not getting any lighter. It keeps changing but it's never easier. No matter how much I think about how I am parenting and try to compare it to my parents, friends, and parenting books, I always conclude that I have to continue being me. God created me and our children and He knew us before we were all formed. So, if it feels like I invest waaayyy more energy, conversation, and thought to how we are raising our children than anyone else I know, then so be it. I would like to see more "fruit" on such discouraging days though. Long ago (five babies ago to be exact) I declared a favorite verse: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Galatians 6:9 I sure hope I am "well doing".
On a more grateful note, we had a very nice visit with my dad and stepmother. They stayed for lunch and a couple hours of opening presents and chatting. It was truly good. I hope we will continue to add more and more good experiences to the relationships and be able to build on them.
I've been feeling the baby (18 weeks now) kicking around in my belly this weekend for the first time. Until now, he or she was nestled down so low and close to my back that I couldn't feel anything. Apparently he/she has discovered how much room there is available and seems to enjoy trying all the tummy quadrants. : ) When I wake up or right before bed I love to lay my hands on my belly and really enjoy all the movements. I'm still holding out some strange thought that maybe there are two babies, rather than just one. But my OB said they've never missed a twin under ultrasound in his experience before. I'll probably have to blame the prematurely large belly I'm wearing on being a grandgravida...my uterus knows the routine and just didn't waste any time getting there on this pregnancy. : ) I think pregnany bellies are beautiful, so I don't mind at all.
I stayed home from church again today due with little ones who are ill. I think our Mary has a sinus infection. Daniel woke up feeling badly. Noah and Joy have barely returned to normal from last week. Hopefully we can return together next Sunday.
I've been reading about what foods are best and worst to eat for each blood type. Thankfully, Bob and I are the same blood type and we think all of our children are too. It's not a "diet" that we will follow exactly since we can use enzymes to help us digest the items that are supposedly "harmful" to us . It has been eye-opening. I don't know what the original author of the book said about it all. But I like how Pat Block explains it on her website.
It's shaping up to be another busy week. Not as busy as last week I hope. Kelsey will most likely have her braces on. Kendal is working some and Kelsey has a babysitting job. I hope to get to the pool to swim more than once this week. The best part is that we can wash our clothes in our own laundry room since our washer is repaired!
